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Many enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters which are essential for clear thought and mental health are contingent on good nutrition. Linus Pauling termed the word orthomolecular medicine. He demonstrated that both physical and mental health can be optimized by giving the body the right amounts of the right nutrients.
A generalized nutritional approach to disease prevention may be to avoid processed foods, removing sugar from the diet, plus taking zinc, vitamin A and selenium. Balancing the diet with protein and carbohydrates and ample water intake is important. Beta carotene, vitamin B, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, essential fatty acid, manganese, iron , zinc, garlic, and chlorophyll also seem to enhance the immune system. In addition the reduction of caffeine and alcohol can enhance nutritional integrity.
The choice of fillers and binders within the supplement taken to fulfill these nutritional requirements is important. Always read the label.
As for sources of protein, beef, lamb, and pork satisfy best, liver is also nourishing and lean, and fish and poultry are also excellent choices. Tofu, soy, and various beans are good protein sources for those on vegetarian diets.
The avoidance of aged fat, or browned barbecued fat, from steaks should be considered. Meats consumed should not have nitrates, and oxidized meat should be avoided according to many studies. Oxidation in meats occurs when it is exposed to air or has been overbrowned. Gas is a hydrocarbon and it has been shown to cause cancer; therefore, it may be wise to avoid cooking meat by gas.
In certain cases natural physicians or nutritionists may suggest a detoxification program, which can create a “starting over” baseline. Detoxification can have a therapeutic effect on the body, or it can be used as a method of diagnosis, such as with the old-fashioned elimination diet.
In the next few pages, we’ll discuss general diet therapies for certain disorders.
Fasting is the oldest form of detoxification and it is one of the quickest ways to increase elimination of wastes and enhance the healing processes of the body. In the American Journal of Industrial Medicine in 1984 a study involving patients who had ingested PCB’s was done. This report shows that these patients went on a fast and reported improvement afterwards. It is advised that a physician consultation would be appropriate when considering a detoxifying fast as there are many different methods and supplements to ensure effective support.
The multidimensional web of defenses which attack and eliminate toxic pathogens abounds in a healthy immune system. The healthy system is dependent on proper nutrition. Zinc helps to promote and regulate the immune response.
The “elimination diet” was used, and sometimes still is, to determine a food allergy. This detoxification diet is employed with the consultation of a physician who is a specialist in this process. The person goes on a fast and food is eliminated for a brief time, though sometimes only juices are consumed. There are different variations on an elimination diet. Slowly each food is reintroduced back to the system, and if a reaction occurs, it is thought the person has an allergy to it. This is a very slow and inaccurate method, and, compared to more precise technological methods, very inconvenient.
Hydrotherapy is a worldwide method of using water as a detoxifier. Saunas have been used frequently in hydrotherapy, as they help cleanse the skin and help clean out the seven to eight million sweat-secreting and oil-secreting glands found in the skin. The sauna temporarily overheats the entire body, thus stimulating the immune system. A special detoxification bath is then drawn with baking soda (one pound) and one pound of sun dried sea salt. This cleansing bath works well for 20-40 minutes, then the individual showers. This is not recommended for daily use – weekly is sufficient, – and is followed by meditation or relaxation.
The Rotation diet is a therapeutic diet which has gained some popularity over the years since it was first developed by Dr. Herbert Rinkel in 1934. The principal method of this diet is infrequent consumption of tolerated foods eaten in rotation.
This diet has a two fold purpose, one is to help avoid the constant introduction of the same allergen-producing foods, and the second is for weight loss. Usually this is done after an elimination program or a serum test has been performed to identify intolerant foods.
When a rotation diet is used the caloric intake over a three week period changes. Usually it will begin with the 600-900 calories per day, and within 5 or 6 days move up to 1200-plus calories. This avoids the metabolic adaptation often called the “starvation response”. The rotation diets are mixed, containing a wide variety of foods, particularly high protein intake that cuts out carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. Although calories are reduced to about 900 per day, the lowered caloric intake only remains in effect for a few days.
Certain foods have so few calories that they can be eaten in unlimited quantities. These foods have fewer than 10 calories per serving and are as follows:
| asparagus | celery |
| chicory | Chinese cabbage |
| cucumber | endive |
| escarole | lettuce |
| parsley | radish |
| spinach | watercress |
| zucchini |
Recommended fruits, which have calories but are better than other forms of food with refined sugar, are apples, berries, grapefruit, melon, oranges, peaches, pineapple, and tangerines. Avoiding artificial flavorings or sweeteners is urged.
The importance of drinking water is especially important in rotation diets, and it is recommended that one has 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily, though this is a standard everyone should practice.
A typical rotation diet might last four days, and might draw daily from these food types:
Day l: Citrus fruits, banana, parsley, pepper, herbs, nuts, foul, tea, juices from the above group.
Day 2: Grapes, raisins, pineapple, rose (strawberries), melon, mallow, beet pea, cashew birch, flaxseed, pork, honey and juices from the above.
Day 3: Apple, figs, olives, buckwheat, potatoes, garlic, leeks, herbs (such as peppermint, sage, oregano), walnuts, fish (saltwater), kaffir tea, juices.
Day 4: Plums, cranberries, turnips, cabbages, avocados, sweet potatoes or yams, wheat grass, lemon tea.
As one might notice, a variety and frequency of the same food group is avoided.
It is important to note that there may be an underlying condition which needs to be assessed and treated, so one should consult a physician before attempting an elimination or a rotation diet without professional consultation.
Avoid sugar (simple or refined), caffeine and alcohol. Increase consumption of dark leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, especially sesame; liver, carrots, sardines, salmon, and (if tolerated) milk products. Reduce sodium chloride (salt).
Basic supplements include antioxidants, vitamins C, E, B-complex, selenium, zinc and beta carotene.
The body of the hypoglycemic produces too much insulin, and the blood sugar levels fall. Therefore the limitation of carbohydrates is important.
Different foods are absorbed by the body at different rates which affect blood sugar in different ways.
Sugar is directly absorbed and quickly metabolized. So a typical breakfast might be eggs and lamb chops, or steak and potatoes. The whole idea is that protein and fats are digested slowly releasing a steady supply of sugar into the blood stream. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates, like potatoes and grains, are converted by the body into sugar, and when the sugar is metabolized a craving for more occurs. Proteins and fats are digested more slowly than carbohydrates. Therefore, to avoid low blood sugar it is recommended to eat more protein.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels create an appetite which fluctuates just as wildly. With a higher protein diet, the appetite tends to be satisfied longer so that binge eating is avoided. The abnormal desire for sweets is characteristic of many hypoglycemics and sadly the sweets tend to carry calories with no nutrients. This can drain the body of valuable vitamins and minerals, and over time this kind of inadequate diet can result in chronic vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Vitamin and mineral supplements begin to correct the damage, in addition to removing sweets.
Nutritional factors which combat heavy metal poisoning include a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and chromium), vitamin C and B complex vitamins. In addition, sulphur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine, and taurine) and high sulphur-containing foods like garlic, beans and onions, plus water soluble fibre such as psyllium seed help to combat heavy metal poisoning.
Golden Seal (hydrastis canadensis) may improve spleen function through its ability to enhance the blood flow through the organ and increasing macrophage activity. Vitamin C and other antioxidants appear to neutralize the toxic effects of free radicals.
Maintaining a holistic health program is important as well, and always, if possible, breathe fresh air and eat wholesome foods. Eat organic food whenever possible, and wash fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food and processed food.
Drink high quality bottled water, or filtered water. Tap water may contain up to 500 chemicals. An average city may add 70 chemicals to tap water in order to bleach, disinfect, or deodorize it.
Frequent aerobic exercise, or, at a minimum, a regular walking program is also recommended.
If acute poisoning happens, one should consult a physician.
In general, the B vitamins when taken together as a B complex help protect against the toxicity of lead. Siberian ginseng (see herbs), pectin, algin, and beans help eliminate lead from the body. Bee pollen might help to detoxify.
Vitamin A helps to activate enzymes which neutralize lead.
The following seem to help in neutralizing some of the toxic effects of pollution: Aloe, bee pollen, calcium, chaparral, chlorophyll, iodine, iron, lecithin, magnesium, fermented foods, oils, potassium, sodium alginate and sea vegetables, selenium, siberian and panax ginsengs, vitamins A, B complex C, E and zinc.
Arthritis is a general term which involves the inflammation of the joints and surrounding tendons, ligaments and cartilage. The most common forms of arthritis are: osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the large weight-bearing joints. Gouty arthritis is an inflammation of the joints caused by deposition of uric acid crystals into the joints, and is usually due to an inadequate elimination of uric-acid. Rheumatoid arthritis is most the crippling, painful and serious form of arthritis, and is considered to be an autoimmune disease. The synovial tissues are affected by rheumatoid arthritis with a rapid growth of membrane cells crowding the joints. Damage to the tendons, ligaments and muscles usually occurs.
It is thought that arthritis is caused by severe delayed food allergies (IGG’s, subsets 1 through 4). As we saw in the previous discussion, food allergies can lead to inflammation.
In those suffering from arthritis, poorly digested food particles cannot get through the walls of the digestive tract and into the blood stream where, as they accumulate, become deposited in tissue. This causes more of a release of inflammatory chemical mediators such as histamines, prostaglandins, bradykinin, and leukotrienes.
The source of pain may be a by product of too many dietary saturated fats versus an inadequate level of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Omega-3 fatty acids produce the prostaglandin, which is helpful in healing arthritis, as it may stimulate the action of T-and B cells by reducing the body’s production of arachidonic (saturated fat) acid. This acid has been cited as being the culprit in causing inflammation of joints and other tissues.
Therefore, the elimination of allergic foods and a rotation diet should be considered. One may consider to exercise limitation of fatty meats, margarine, refined sugar and dairy products. Reduction of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine is emphatically suggested.
Supplementation with essential fatty acids could help. Vitamin C helps to manufacture collagen, which adheres the cells together. GL-Phenylaline is a natural pain-relief amino acid which might be helpful. Chelated zinc, calcium magnesium, niacinamide and vitamin A and vitamin E are good supplements to take.
Remember, exercise at moderate levels can enhance the immune system. This is a very important ingredient to prevent atrophy, further inhibiting the immune system. A physician or physical therapist might be considered to help tailor an exercise program.
Proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs and milk are helpful dietary foods in combatting the effects of the herpes simplex virus. Supplementation of L-Lysine during an eruption of herpes has been shown to be effective. However some reports have shown that L-Lysine has led to elevated serum cholesterol in some people.
An addiction could be described as a craving or need for a foreign substance after it has been incorporated into the system. When the substance is missing, withdrawal occurs. The body has made an adjustment to the foreign substance and although unhealthy, requires it.
Therefore a readjustment has to occur in order to live without it, and time is the only treatment. The nervous system has maladjusted to the substance, and needs to be retrained, so to speak.
Withdrawal can include pain, nausea, depression, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, irritability, insomnia, and confusion. Food allergies may be addictions, as can the more obvious, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, prescriptions.
In order for an individual to eliminate addictive foods from his diet, one must:
A physician or nutritional professional should be consulted for accurate individual dosage.
The chronic itching and inflammation of the skin is generally caused by an allergic antigen, usually food allergies. It is known that gluten – found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats – and diary products appear to be the most common offenders of IgE and IgG response.
A basic response might be for the individual to eliminate the allergic foods, and go on a rotation diet. Furthermore one should increase consumption of cold water fish, such as sardines, herring, cod, and salmon; avoid red meat, dairy, eggs, margarine and shortening, and consume a high fiber diet.
Supplements: Vitamin C, evening primrose oil, EPA, vitamin E, vitamin A, and chelated zinc
A physician’s consultation is recommended for specific dietary recommendations.
A reaction on the mucous lining of the intestine which occurs when gluten is consumed is considered to be a gluten sensitivity, or a gluten gastroenteropathy. The antigen gluten combines with IgG antibodies to form immune complexes. This appears to stimulate the growth of “killer” lymphocytes which leads to a weakened immune system. Many food allergies occur in addition to gluten sensitivities, and until they are identified only partial effectiveness can be realized from dietary changes and supplementation.
A gluten free diet is very restrictive, therefore the diagnosis of this disease should be made by a physician. As for the general diet, removal of the allergic foods, plus a rotation diet is recommended, elimination of all foods with gluten, consumption of foods high in thiamine and iron.
Supplementation, under a physician’s consultation, includes EPA, vitamin A and B complex, iron (if low on serum ferritin assays), and zinc.
During periods of prolonged stress and/or lowered immunity, the candida albicans (yeast) which normally exists in the intestinal tract, proliferates and infests the system. This condition, known as candidiasis, becomes pathological and invasive and weakens the immune system.
Identified in the days of Hippocrates as thrush, it was mentioned in textbooks of pediatric study beginning in the 1700’s. In 1904, candida infections of the nails were described, and candida cystitis in 1910.
Around the 1940’s candida was accepted as a superficial fungus without concern for its potential as a serious systemic disease. However, there has been a revival of interest in systemic candidiasis which has been more prevalent since the introduction of antibiotics. Antibiotics facilitate candida growth, and this causes more infections, which are often treated with more antibiotics.
When the proliferating candida increases it permeates the gastrointestinal mucosa and spills into the blood stream. This creates a new allergen that the immune system must deal with.
Antibiotics have been linked to the main offender killing the bacteria which fights candida. Antibiotics are also in the meat we eat and we often exacerbate the growth, especially when taking oral antibiotics additionally.
A lack of adequate hydrochloric acid in the stomach is associated with essential fatty acid deficiency, alcohol abuse, and food allergies. Estrogens feed candida, and those on birth control sometimes have reported candida problems. A diet low in fiber, high in alcohol and sugar encourages the growth of candida.
The general diet therapy for candida is to identify the presence of an overgrowth through serum testing, or sometimes through stool testing, although this method is less than accurate since most people show candida in stool.
It is essential for treatment to get rid of food allergies, and avoid all sugars and alcohol. Simple sugars are what candida thrive on. HCL capsules with lactobacillus acidophilus supplements help restore the proper balance of intestinal flora.
Oleic acid (essential fatty acids) are important since research indicates that candidiasis patients are deficient in oleic acid. Additionally, a high fiber diet hastens the elimination of nonabsorbed metabolic toxins. It can take up to one year to overcome candidiasis.
A yeast-free, sugar free, fruit free, grain free, nut free, and milk free diet is recommended for a period of three weeks by Shirley Lorenzani, Ph.D. and by the Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation of California to treat candidaisis. Fruit boosts sugar level, yeast grows on sugar and starch. Candida is fed by the gluten in wheat, oats, rye and barley; and fed by milk, though sweet butter is OK. The individual on this diet may consume eggs, fish and fresh animal products; all vegetables except sweet potatoes and potatoes; and should not consume bread, crackers, desserts and alcohol. After three weeks a more comfortable diet is followed, including nuts, seeds, oils and whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables.
It is advised to avoid sugar and sugar-containing foods, including honey, molasses, maple syrup, maple sugar, date sugar and turbinado sugar. In addition, the avoidance of yeast, breads and pastries is advised. Alcoholic beverages including wine, beer, whiskey, brandy, gin, rum, vodka and other fermented liquors and liqueurs are to be avoided as well. Cider and root beer, which have also been fermented, are not to be consumed.
Malt products such as cereals, beer, and candy; condiments such as mustard, ketchup, MSG, relishes, green olives, mincemeat; and foods which contain vinegar are not eaten. Finally, avoidance of processed and smoked meats, such as sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, pastrami and pickled tongue, is advised.
Vitamins, especially B complex, must be labeled as “yeast-free” and “sugar-free”.
A candida control diet may be, after the first three weeks, as follows:
| Breakfast #1 Sample ground beef patty scrambled eggs grits with butter applesauce muffin |
Breakfast #3 Sample brown rice with butter chopped almonds tuna, water pack fresh pineapple |
| Breakfast #2 Sample pork chop sliced potatoes whole wheat biscuit grapefruit |
|
| Lunch #1 Sample salmon patty boiled cabbage blackeyed peas sliced tomatoes orange |
Lunch #3 Sample tuna salad on lettuce rice cakes steamed green beans boiled brussel sprouts fresh pineapple |
| Lunch #2 Sample fish cakes steamed cauliflower strawberries |
|
| Dinner #1 Sample lima beans sliced tomato banana oat cake |
Dinner #3 Sample rock cornish hens steamed carrots with peas wild rice papaya |
| Dinner #2 Sample broiled fish cabbage and carrot slaw wax beans baked banana |
To protect one against premature aging one should eliminate allergic foods, cut down on saturated fats and sugar, high consumption of fiber; one should not exceed caloric intake; limit alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine; and drink bottled or distilled water. One should practice exercise, meditate, or stress release. Supplementation can include: Vitamin C , EPA, vitamin A, vitamin E and B complex, calcium and magnesium: The actual dosages should be determined by a nutritional professional.
Everyone has experienced moments of low enthusiasm, dull and sunless episodes – but luckily, these pass. When a person has an inability to enjoy life, combined with feelings of sadness, impotence, and an inability to think and act with purpose, he is experiencing depression. Clinical depression is serious, and a physician should be consulted for treatment.
Chronic depression is a seriously life limiting, immune-suppressing state of being. Body dysfunction occurs at its height. There is a high correlation of terminal cancer patients with a history of chronic depression, with resignation prior to the initial diagnosis of cancer.
Many cases of depression can be viewed as a biochemical disturbance of dopamine, noradrenaline deficiency, and a serotonin depletion. Pharmaceuticals specialize in controlling these deficiencies, however the underlying aggravation may be ignored.
For example, if there is a food allergy, identifying the allergy and correcting the problem would be important. The amino acid GL-phenylalanine increases the presence of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and endorphins. Tryptophan can increase serotonin. The antioxidant vitamins would be recommended.
It is advised to seek a physician’s consultation to treat depression for the right diagnosis, and supplementation.
For a person suffering from insomnia, find out if there is an underlying food allergy, and, if so, try a rotation diet. The person must avoid caffeine and alcohol and eat dinner several hours before bedtime, with no snacks late at night.
Supplementation should be: L-Tryptophan, niacinamide, B5, GABA, niacin, calcium and magnesium, and the antioxidants. A physician should be consulted for the ideal doses.
More cases of asthma have occurred since 1977. Allergic responses which trigger this disease vary, and they are generally IGE responses. By strengthening the immune system one has a chance at a better quality of life with asthma, rather than one filled with increasingly more potent pharmaceuticals.
First, the allergens need to be identified and avoided, and a rotation diet suggested by the physician would be in good order. Avoidance of nitrates, artificial food coloring, and preservatives would also benefit the asthmatic.
Exercise, such as swimming, can enhance the immune system. Old school medicine implied that exercise was the worst thing for an asthmatic, but currently it is believed that some exercise is better than none. Precaution is necessary, and a specialist is recommended to create a program of exercise.
One method of promoting general weight loss is to eliminate and diagnose allergic foods. Undetected food allergies can cause a person to retain water thus adding to a rise in weight. In addition food allergies can create cravings and a slowed metabolism.
On the whole one must consume a diet in complex carbohydrates and high fiber. Most of all, one must chew food slowly when eating. Avoid saturated fats (arachidonic acid) and eat poultry, fish, and vegetable protein. Use cold-pressed oils, instead of shortening, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Avoid pastries, sodas and candy. Limit dried fruit and fruit juices. Eat frequent small meals. Avoid alcohol, and limit caffeine.
Exercise will increase energy output. To lose one pound per week, one needs to burn 500 calories per day. This can be accomplished by walking one hour and 15 minutes, or jogging for 45 minutes, or playing tennis. Weight can also come off if caloric intake is reduced below 1500 calories per day, with a 15 to 20 minute exercise two or three times weekly. Further one can develop a positive mental attitude through meditation or yoga classes offered at a local school or community service organization.
Being obese reduces immune system integrity, taxing all systems. By choosing to modify diet, and change lifestyle with exercise, metabolic activity can increase and weight and body fat can begin to change.
There are literally hundreds of diets with magic potions which will make you “slim” – designer drinks, special chewing gums, and on and on. Remember, the most successful weight loss program is the gradual approach, the long term solution where lifestyle and dietary modifications become priorities.
PMS has been shown to improve with diet therapy and micronutrients. The obvious avoidance of salt, reduction of caffeine and alcohol, and increase intake of raw, unprocessed, high fiber foods can lessen the effects of PMS.
In addition the micronutrient vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) seems to be quite effective in reducing the PMS symptoms. At normal levels this vitamin is well-tolerated. In addition, it has been found that magnesium may play an important part in PMS improvement. As with any supplementation, it is advisable to consult a physician to get the accurate doses. Among the suggested foods for one to eat in quantity are green leafy vegetables, seafood, nuts, cereal, grains, and dairy products. Also one should eat foods which contain L-Tryptophan, another important micronutrient, are yogurt, pineapple, and turkey.
The psychological component is stress reduction and exercise. A great ally in stress reduction is sleep; Shakespeare once wrote: “sleep knits the raveled sleeve of care”.
Finally exercise has been shown to help. A study of 748 Finnish women showed that the women who regularly participated in sports reported significantly less premenstrual anxiety than a matched group of women without exercise. As far as the level of exercise, the operative word is moderation, not excessiveness.
For thousands of years the concept of the vegan diet has existed. This is a diet in which only vegetables, beans or grains are consumed, with no animal products of any kind, including meat, fish, poultry, dairy products or eggs. Uninformed experimentation can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Calcium, vitamin B-12 are lacking in plant foods. Care and intelligence is needed when adopting this sort of lifestyle. Fortified soy milk can provide some B-12, as well as tempeh or miso daily. Tempeh has more B12 if it has been fermented with Klebsiella bacteria along with the usual mold. Of course there are the vitamin B12 pills which are commercially available.
The typical vegan diet also lacks calcium. Therefore calcium-magnesium supplementation would be advised.
This diet requires research and knowledge to execute. Complex carbohydrates and complete amino acids can be made by combining the right foods together. For example, brown rice with lentils is a complete protein.